§ 2. Mr. Boothbyasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is a serious shortage of labour on the farms in Scotland; and whether he will take steps to encourage Scottish girls to join the Land Army instead of transferring them to work in England?
§ Mr. BevinI am sure that, as was to be expected in view of the expanding agricultural programme, there is in Scotland a deficiency of skilled male agricultural workers. My Department has consistently encouraged recruitment for the Scottish Women's Land Army, and the rate of enrolment has at all times been adequate to meet the demands made on it. At the end of February there was a reserve of about 500 members available for employment.